As the winter season rolls in, traveling with little ones becomes a whole new adventure. Whether you’re heading to a cozy cabin, escaping to a warmer climate or embarking on a road trip, preparation is key. Here are our best tips to make your winter travels smooth and enjoyable, no matter the scenario.
1. Escaping winter to a warmer destination?
If you’re heading to a sunny destination, transitioning between climates can be tricky. Packing smart is the message here:
– Layer up for the trip: Dress in breathable layers that you can easily remove when you arrive. Start with warm outerwear and cozy base layers for winter departures. Pack light, summer-friendly outfits in your carry-on for a quick change but make sure there’s enough space to pack your winter layers back in!
– Warm outfit for the return trip: Preparing for a long trip back home feels better if you’ve packed a fresh, warm outfit beforehand. So, include a clean, cozy change of clothes just for the journey back home. For kids, playful warm onesies are ideal! They stay warm while having the freedom to play comfortably in airports.
– Don’t forget sun protection: Pack a family-friendly UV sunscreen (roll-on or spray for quick application) and use it after landing when changing clothes. An easy-to-attach sunshade for strollers can protect delicate skin from intense UV rays.
2. How to keep winter road trips enjoyable?
Long winter drives can be fun, but the cold and darkness can make stops less inviting, right? Here are some helpful tips to make your ride smoother:
– Plan strategic stops: Research family-friendly rest stops with clean, warm facilities and space for kids to stretch their legs indoors! Many gas stations only have outdoor playgrounds, which aren’t ideal in rain or snow, and believe me, you don’t want wet clothes when getting back into the car!
– Roll-up bags that save space when empty are great for packing extra layers or wet clothes from unexpected snow fun, just in case 😛
– Combat dry winter air and darkness: our Sweet Dreamz Humidifier is ideal to prevent stuffy noses and dry skin also on the go. It can double as a comforting item for nighttime routines once you reach your destination and is very handy as an extra light in the back of the car.
– Use small, reusable containers to keep snacks, toys, or baby essentials organized in the car. Bonus points if they can hang from a stroller or diaper bag for easy access while riding. Check out our Yummy Grab&Go!
– For little children, help them stay engaged with open-ended toys. Pack a few lightweight toys that you can also attach to car seats or strollers, so you don’t lose them because they fall off all the time.
😊 For older kids: something to color, or activity and sticker books our go-to options. Ipads are probably already going with, so we don’t need to talk about movies or games 🙂
– Safety first! Winter travel comes with its own risks, so make sure you have fluorescent vests for everyone traveling in the car. While most cars come equipped with one, having extras is wise, especially in winter when poor visibility due to snow, rain, or fog can make roadside emergencies more dangerous. Being prepared ensures everyone stays safe and visible if something happens.
3. Bonus hacks for any adventure
– Stay hydrated: Cold weather can make you forget to drink water. Keep insulated bottles for hot drinks and water on hand for everyone.
– Think compact: Use space-saving solutions like collapsible containers or foldable bags for easy packing and storage.
– Emergency kit: Always have a small bag with essentials like a first-aid kit, baby wipes, extra clothes, and a warm blanket in case of delays or weather-related surprises.
– We have made this travel planner to help your family and it is a game-changer for long trips. Use it to involve your little ones in the plan, show them the day’s schedule, including when it’s time for snacks, screen time, or a rest. This gives them a sense of security and helps set boundaries in a positive way. No more endless questions or snack-time debates when they can “see what’s next” on their fun little chart! There is only a limited amount of them!
EVERY ORDER WILL GET ONE FOR FREE!
Travelling in winter with little ones is all about balance, staying prepared without overpacking. With a few clever tricks and a flexible mindset, you can turn even the coldest adventure into warm family memories. Safe travels!
Lots of Love,
Sarah
